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Does anyone use a KVM for two computers? Login/Join 
W07VH5
Picture of mark123
posted
I used to run a KVM between two computers so that would only have to have one keyboard, mouse and monitor. I dug it out but it’s for VGA (olde).

I ordered a base model M4 Mac mini today and I’d love to have a KVM switch again but it’s a bit more complicated. I have a two monitor setup now and I’ll need USB C on the Mac end and USB A for the mouse, keyboard and PC.

I do have a USB C to 4-port USB A hub so maybe that’s not a complication, i think the issue is switching the two monitors. All the KVMs seem to be almost what i need but they miss one or two things. Is the trick to just get one that almost works and then add a bunch of adapters?

If you can suggest one, a cheaper one would be nice because I’m sure after the transition period from Windows to Mac, I’ll never turn on the PC again unless i need one of the apps that are Windows only.
 
Posts: 45674 | Location: Pennsyltucky | Registered: December 05, 2001Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Give Synergy a try.

https://symless.com/synergy

I used it years ago before the current product between a laptop and a desktop. Worked well for me then. When you’re done, you don’t have any excess gear sitting around.


--
I always prefer reality when I can figure out what it is.

JALLEN 10/18/18
https://sigforum.com/eve/forum...610094844#7610094844
 
Posts: 2427 | Location: Roswell, GA | Registered: March 10, 2009Reply With QuoteReport This Post
McNoob
Picture of xantom
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Teamviewer possibly? I think they still offer a free to use version. No hardware needed if so.

Possibly this assuming you have a pro version of windows.

https://www.digitalcitizen.lif...ws-desktop-mac-os-x/




"We've done four already, but now we're steady..."
 
Posts: 1868 | Location: MN | Registered: November 20, 2013Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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That’s true, something as simple as RDP to the Windows host might handle it. Microsoft’s RDP client for MacOS is quite usable, and free.


--
I always prefer reality when I can figure out what it is.

JALLEN 10/18/18
https://sigforum.com/eve/forum...610094844#7610094844
 
Posts: 2427 | Location: Roswell, GA | Registered: March 10, 2009Reply With QuoteReport This Post
W07VH5
Picture of mark123
posted Hide Post
quote:
Originally posted by SigJacket:
Give Synergy a try.

https://symless.com/synergy

I used it years ago before the current product between a laptop and a desktop. Worked well for me then. When you’re done, you don’t have any excess gear sitting around.
i kinda need both monitors on both computers though. However, that’s a really sweet solution.
 
Posts: 45674 | Location: Pennsyltucky | Registered: December 05, 2001Reply With QuoteReport This Post
W07VH5
Picture of mark123
posted Hide Post
quote:
Originally posted by xantom:
Teamviewer possibly? I think they still offer a free to use version. No hardware needed if so.

Possibly this assuming you have a pro version of windows.

https://www.digitalcitizen.lif...ws-desktop-mac-os-x/
I’ll check that out.
 
Posts: 45674 | Location: Pennsyltucky | Registered: December 05, 2001Reply With QuoteReport This Post
quarter MOA visionary
Picture of smschulz
posted Hide Post
I use them all the time, mostly for multiple servers and a single monitor/keyboard/mouse.
They mostly in this environment are VGA/USB.

The key is finding all the same connections types namely moving to a digital monitor connection and faster USB.

I know you asked for a specific model but I have tried any of these but just look at the back of the connections to see if they offer what you need.
I use and have used mostly Belkin KVM but there are others.

Example: https://www.amazon.com/CKL-Mon...s/dp/B08DKX9SQS?th=1

https://products.bestreviews.c...11841618fdd4858a5062

There is also KVM over IP if you need a more versatile or remote configuration.

https://www.kvm-switches-onlin...m-over-ip-guide.html
 
Posts: 23407 | Location: Houston, TX | Registered: June 11, 2006Reply With QuoteReport This Post
W07VH5
Picture of mark123
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That’s almost exactly what I need. I think one adapter cable is all I’ll have to add. Thanks
 
Posts: 45674 | Location: Pennsyltucky | Registered: December 05, 2001Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Picture of gau-8
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FYI, RDP can be set to use multiple monitors.
 
Posts: 98 | Location: Virginia | Registered: August 13, 2014Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Optimistic Cynic
Picture of architect
posted Hide Post
Holy 20th Century Batman! Xwindows/VNC/RDP/etc. were all described to obviate the need for a KVM.

Back in the day, at a notable Govt. agency, we used a hardware switch to allow an ASCII terminal alternate connections, one to an on-site minicomputer, the other to a TAC (Terminal Access Controller) connected to the Milnet.

Then we replaced the terminal with an MSDOS PC running a terminal emulator, and a Telnet program, no hardware switch needed. Some diehards were still using KVMs to allow both a PC and Mac (or Sun) on their desks at the same time. The best thing was that the rat's nest of RS-232C drop cables were replaced by a thin coax ethernet (which certainly had its own problems).

Then Windows/SunOS/Mac/NeXT GUIs came along, and the inventory of discarded KVMs grew to fill a whole storeroom. It's probably still there. If you can find it, they'd probably gladly hand over as many as you'd like.
 
Posts: 6930 | Location: NoVA | Registered: July 22, 2009Reply With QuoteReport This Post
W07VH5
Picture of mark123
posted Hide Post
quote:
Originally posted by architect:
Holy 20th Century Batman! Xwindows/VNC/RDP/etc. were all described to obviate the need for a KVM.

Back in the day, at a notable Govt. agency, we used a hardware switch to allow an ASCII terminal alternate connections, one to an on-site minicomputer, the other to a TAC (Terminal Access Controller) connected to the Milnet.

Then we replaced the terminal with an MSDOS PC running a terminal emulator, and a Telnet program, no hardware switch needed. Some diehards were still using KVMs to allow both a PC and Mac (or Sun) on their desks at the same time. The best thing was that the rat's nest of RS-232C drop cables were replaced by a thin coax ethernet (which certainly had its own problems).

Then Windows/SunOS/Mac/NeXT GUIs came along, and the inventory of discarded KVMs grew to fill a whole storeroom. It's probably still there. If you can find it, they'd probably gladly hand over as many as you'd like.
Can you run an audio interface via RDP or VCN?
 
Posts: 45674 | Location: Pennsyltucky | Registered: December 05, 2001Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Ignored facts
still exist
posted Hide Post
From the RDP discussion I'm assuming the WIN machine is Win PRO???

The home version can't be a host for RDP. Only has the RDP client.


.
 
Posts: 11212 | Location: 45 miles from the Pacific Ocean | Registered: February 28, 2003Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Picture of konata88
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I have this KVM. I don't think it fits your needs (no USBc) but if you think you can make it work, you can have.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod..._title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have 2 computers and 2 external monitors. I use my receiver as the video switch (also connected to media streamer). Then I use a bluetooth (logitech) keyboard and mouse that can handle connections to up to 3 devices. This has been the best solution for me.




"Wrong does not cease to be wrong because the majority share in it." L.Tolstoy
"A government is just a body of people, usually, notably, ungoverned." Shepherd Book
 
Posts: 13214 | Location: In the gilded cage | Registered: December 09, 2007Reply With QuoteReport This Post
W07VH5
Picture of mark123
posted Hide Post
quote:
Originally posted by konata88:
I have this KVM. I don't think it fits your needs (no USBc) but if you think you can make it work, you can have.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod..._title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have 2 computers and 2 external monitors. I use my receiver as the video switch (also connected to media streamer). Then I use a bluetooth (logitech) keyboard and mouse that can handle connections to up to 3 devices. This has been the best solution for me.
Thank you. Unfortunately, i don’t think it will work for me. Much appreciated, friend.
 
Posts: 45674 | Location: Pennsyltucky | Registered: December 05, 2001Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Republican in training
Picture of DonDraper
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I do but it is built into my monitor (Gigabyte M34WQ). I would love to find a nice 3-4 node KVM switch that supports dual monitors and high refresh rates and resolution. I want to get one of those same Mac Minis!


--------------------
I like Sigs and HK's, and maybe Glocks
 
Posts: 2289 | Location: SC | Registered: March 16, 2011Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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